towbar for ATV

[Rgillard]

Hello,

I am currently building a small trailer that will be used for rolling out sheep wire. It is for the fencing contractor that I work for. I have to weld a towbar onto the back of his quad(ATV) in order to pull this trailer. Where is the best place to weld to. I was going to weld to the frame but it moves with the suspension. Would I be better off taking it from the back axle. The trailer is fairly light and shouldnt put too much strain on the ATV. If anyone has any advice on putting a towbar onto an ATV I would really appreciate it. Dont really want to make a bullocks bag of the back of the ATV.

Cheers
Gilly

 

[gspig]

ATV tow points are mostly off the rear axle housing. Most manufacturers offer a bolt on bracket for towing. Lots of aftermarket tow hitches available. I wouldn't want to weld to the axle housing, too much risk of weakening the tube or overheating the aluminum differential, or melting a rubber seal.

 

[Lazy]

Hi
here is a pic of my hitch on my ATV.

Charlie.

 

[Rgillard]

Thanks for the photo. Is it just a steel plate welded onto a crossbar on the frame. What sort of attachments do you pull with this. I think i was going to overcomplicate the hitch when maybe a simple plate would be strong enough. Appreciate the help. Thanks.

 

[Lazy]

Hi
we have used it to pull a trac vac model 860 and a yard cart and it works great. Also use it to move or relocate a 16 foot trailer.

charlie

 

[Rgillard]

Am i right in thinking that you welded the steel plate directly to a cross member. is that the only connection there is. is there any need for a 45 degree verticle strut to conteract any turning moment that the towbar will be subject to???

 

[Bowhunter]

I'm pretty certain that Lazy's atv came with that hitch setup from the factory.

What type (brand and model) atv do you have? This could help us in giving information.

 

[Rgillard]

Im just at work at the minute.i cant remember the manufacturer. The ATV is not mine. Ill try post a picture of the back end of it when I get home in about an hour. That might be more helpful to you guys suggesting idea's. Thanks

 

[Lazy]

Hi
You are correct it came with the hitch. It is a 2 inch receiver tube welded to the frame.

Charlie

 

[Bowhunter]

Arctic Cat had a heck of a good idea including the 2" receiver tube as part of the package. I like their MRP system too. Other manufacturers need to do something similar.